not hard at all. It really is TOO easy. I googled it. NY is basically requires you to be a US citizen without a felony, and 60 hours of college with a 2.0 GPA (HAHA) or 2 years military. 
Its really pointless for me to even explain this but since Im bored I will.
First you have to apply. (for you Obama supporters out there, this is the hardest part)
Then you take a written test. Basic math, English, grammar, spelling, etc.
Then a physical agility test. State specific...
Then an oral panel (interview) usually consisting of the "brass" and some members of the community asking you all kinds of questions. Scenarios, what ifs, ethics, etc
A very thorough background test. (a grueling background packet an you better fill it out completely!)
Background investigator pulls your info using social security number to find out about you and checks your references to compair with your background packet.
A psychological test. A battery of about 800 questions.
A sit down interview with a psychologist
A polygraph test. (Some states)
A Chief's interview.
Academy 3-6 months Some states like Mass is for a freaking year.
If you pass the academy you have a 3-4 month period riding with a senior officer so they can evaluate your performance. Then after usually 18 months if you haven't fucked up you are off probation.
Then you get a whole career worrying about who is going to try and kill you and sue you.
Thats about it.
